NEWSLETTER OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF MERINO BREEDERS

Transcription

1 NEWSLETTER OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF MERINO BREEDERS ISSUE 13 April 2012 President s Message As the mid-term of my Presidency approaches I am very pleased to announce that Merino S.A. (the South African Merino breeders society) has accepted the offer to host the 9 th World Merino Conference. I expect the next board meeting of Merino S.A. in early May to give final approval for the conference to be held at Stellenbosch in the Cape Town region from Monday 28 April to Thursday 1 May, Optional tours are proposed for the preceding and following weeks. I am indebted to Francois van de Merwe for his efforts during the past six months. Following the withdrawal of Argentina he has formulated a programme for what I believe will be a very well organised and exciting visit to South Africa. Many will remember the very successful tour and 3rd World Merino Conference of The secretariat will advise you all as soon as final confirmation is received. We can then look forward to further announcements regarding registration, speakers and a finalised programme. Francois has presented to me his thoughts regarding venues, tours, organisation and speakers. In early April I attended the three-day Stud Merino Tour of Central Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. On this self-drive tour we visited 15 Merino and Poll Merino properties. Studs presented excellent displays of rams and ewes and at several properties there was an outstanding display of very high quality, stylish, white fine wool. Following an outstanding opening to the season ( best in 100 years said Jim Hore when welcoming the 190 tour participants to Stonehenge ) the sheep presented in exceptionally good condition. Many parts of the region had already received their an- Outgoing president of the WFMB, Glen Keamy, congratulates Robert Ashby at the 8th World Merino Conference in Rambouillet. nual rainfall. Being on-property displays, most studs penned large numbers of rams and at several studs, hundreds of breeding ewes. This was a great opportunity to assess the type and breeding potential of any particular flock. Congratulations and thanks to participants and all involved for the hospitality and friendship extended to Susan and myself; especially tour Chairman John Cook. I was able to make many new Merino friends including NZ Stud Merino Breeders president, Tony Jopp, who gave me the honour of presenting Life Membership to Bob Todhunter, Cleardale stud, Rakaia, a true Merino stalwart, during the tour dinner. In addition to the many locals and 15 to 20 from Australia in attendance there was also a group from Argentina. I can recommend future tours which could include some holiday time, local culture and sightseeing. It may well be worth consideration for promotion within the World Federation as a means of conducting more regular, less formal meetings and cooperation between members. (Continued on page 3) Bob Todhunter, Robert Ashby and Tony Jopp, earlier this month during presentation of a Life Membership of the NZSMBA to Mr Todhunter. Photo courtesy Barbara Newton Merino World 1

2 The World Federation of Merino Breeders PRESIDENT Robert Ashby Australia VICE PRESIDENTS Julian Southey Africa Juan Gomez-Bravo Europe Alejandro Duhart South America Tom Filbin North America EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Edward Dugan REPRESENTATIVES OF MEMBER COUNTRIES ARGENTINA Pablo Serres Alejandro P Duhart AUSTRALIA Tom Ashby Robert Lindsay FRANCE Christine Lang Yves-Aimé Chabert HUNGARY Peter Horn Peter Hajduk LESOTHO Mokoenehi Thinyane Lefu Lehloba NEW ZEALAND Tony Jopp Helen Heddell ROMANIA Dimu Polifronie Valentin Marian RUSSIAN FEDERATION Amerkhanov Kharon Adievich Egorov Mikhail Vasilievich SPAIN Juan Gomez-Bravo Florencio Barajas SOUTH AFRICA Julian Southey Danie Vorster UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Tom Filbin URUGUAY Juan Manuel Grasso Vidart Juan Manuel González XINJIANG PRC Tian Kechuan Zhang Yanhua PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Carol-Ann Malouf OAM Australia s Supreme Ram Robert Harding, Glendonald, Nhill, Victoria, is pictured with Glendonald 9.404, winner of the 2011 Rabobank Australian Supreme Merino Ram award. This was the stud s second Australian supreme title, also winning in 2004 and being a finalist on five other occasions. Glendonald was by a White River (South Australia) ram out of a Glendonald ewe. The 22-monthold, 18.8-micron ram which weighed in at 150 kilograms, went on the following week to confirm its status by winning the supreme exhibit title at the Royal Adelaide Show. COMING SOON World Federation Website Members and delegates will be advised when this vital mode of communication is on-line. News items and links will be posted on this website as and when you submit them to the Public Relations Manager, Carol-Ann Malouf. In readiness for the site, make sure that Carol-Ann has the following: Full contact details for your association Names and contact details for office bearers Website address for your association (for links) carol-annmalouf@bigpond.com We will continue to look to you to ensure that you notify the Executive Director, Edward Dugan, and Public Relations Manager, Carol-Ann Malouf, when there are changes to your executive or your contact details. These are required for WFMB records as well as to ensure effective communication. MERINO WORLD Newsletter of The World Federation of Merino Breeders President Mr Robert Ashby, World Federation of Merino Breeders Old Ashrose, Hallett SA 5419, Australia Tel: Fax: old.ashrose@bigpond.com Executive Director Mr Edward Dugan, World Federation of Merino Breeders, The Australian Merino Centre, Locked Bag 4317, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia Tel: Fax: office@merinos.com.au Editor & Publisher Miss Carol-Ann Malouf OAM, Public Relations Officer, World Federation of Merino Breeders PO Box 320, Condobolin NSW 2877, Australia Tel: Fax: carol-annmalouf@bigpond.com The opinions expressed in contributed copy in this newsletter are those of the contributor, not necessarily the Federation. 2 Merino World

3 Delegates in attendance at the General Meeting of the WFMB, Rambouillet, France, 4 May 2010 Back Row: Danie Vorster (South Africa), Joaquin Mueller (Argentina), Yao Jing Yue (China), Pedro Schmalz (Argentina), Ke Chuan Tian (China), Lefu Lehloba and Mokoenehi Thinyane (Lesotho), Peter Hajduk (Hungary), Juan Antonio de Quintana Gomez-Bravo (Spain), Laszlo Safar (Hungary), Egorov Mikhail Vasilievich (Russia), Tom Filbin (USA), Lobanov Petr Vasilievich (Russia), Robert Lindsay (Australia) Seated: Christine Lang (France), Tom Ashby (President, Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders), Carol-Ann Malouf (Public Relations Manager WFMB, Australia), Robert Ashby (President WFMB, Australia), Glen Keamy (Immediate Past President WFMB, Australia), Carol King (Executive Director WFMB, Australia), Helen Heddell (New Zealand). President s Message (cont) Pleasingly I can report that the financial reserves of the WFMB have been rebuilt since the last World Merino Conference and our association is now in a position to once again communicate more regularly with our member countries, this newsletter being the first such step. Another vital method of engagement will shortly be introduced with the construction of a WFMB website. This will ensure that not only are you kept up-to-date with events and issues in member countries but also will give you the opportunity to communicate with each other; to share your news, activities, event listings, technical and breeding advances etc. The success of this website is largely up to you - to submit information for uploading to the site, see boxed item on previous page. At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders (AASMB), Phil Toland of Toland Merino stud, Violet Town, Victoria, was elected to the presidency, and on behalf of the WFMB, I congratulate him on his ascendancy. I would also like to acknowledge the presidency of Tom Ashby over the past three years. Tom has been very successful in lifting the profile of the AASMB and strengthening the links between the AASMB and industry statutory bodies and grower groups, and with Australian Wool Innovation. Two years ago in Merino World, then president, Glen Keamy, spoke of the benefits of the Merino in spite of being at that time pitted against a struggling world economy and poor seasons, and of the varied challenges facing Merino producers. It is good to see that Glen s comments and aspirations are now falling into place with greater worldwide acceptance of Merino sheep and wool. While I expect it is unlikely that we will see any major increase in numbers, the quality is constantly being maintained and improved, and the demand for our product is high. Enhancing the current position of the Merino is the work being done in marketing and research and development, from farm to fashion, by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). Under the chairmanship of Wal Merriman and stewardship of CEO, Stuart McCullough, AWI is significantly improving the position and worldwide recognition of Merino wool. Marketing spearhead, the Campaign for Wool, under the patronage of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, continues to build momentum across the world with an active programme of events planned for Rather than devote column inches to AWI s projects in these pages, I encourage all readers to visit to keep abreast of the exciting developments underway in R&D and marketing. Much of this information is also contained in AWI s regular magazine, Beyond the Bale, which can be viewed online at I wish you all continuing improved seasons and markets and look forward, with Merino S.A., to keeping you informed as planning for the 9th World Merino Conference gets under way. Robert Ashby President - WFMB April 2012 Merino World 3

4 Comodoro Rivadavia 2010 The grand champion Merino of the 2010 Comodoro Rivadavia, also the top priced ram at 80,000 pesos ($AU22,400) from Leleque stud, with judge, Chris Bowman from Australia, Leleque classer, Michael Gough and stud groom, Ricardo. Buyer of the ram was Alberto Paz of Tecka stud, Chubut. It had been sired by the 2005 Australian Supreme Merino Ram from the McBurnie family s Weealla stud, Balladoran, NSW, which was purchased at that year s Dubbo National Ram Sale by Leleque for $AU43,000. Grand champion and reserve grand champion Poll rams were half-brothers from Los Manantiales stud which sold for 49,000 and 31,000 pesos respectively. Judge, Chris Bowman, said Australian bloodlines continue to do a very good job in Argentina and overall, the size and bulk have improved markedly with the top rams around 150kg. At the time (February 2010), Argentina had just had 3 years of drought with some areas still struggling Above: Supreme Merino and grand champion ram of the 2011 Comodoro Rivadavia from Los Manantiales, sold for the sale top price of $AU45,000. The ram was by a sire from Gunallo stud, Pinnaroo, South Australia. Below: Los Manantiales also showed the grand champion Poll ram (below), by Willemenup sire, Willemenup Sir Winston, from the Gnowangerup-based stud in Western Australia, which sold for $AU40,000. Judge at the 2011 fixture was Robert Ashby, president of the World Federation of Merino Breeders Left: The 2012 supreme champion Merino ram exhibited by the Gonzalo family of Rio Pico, Chubut. Pictured are Julian and Estele Gonzalo; Margaret and John Daniell (judge), White River Merino and Poll Merino studs, Minnipa, South Australia; Fernanda and Maria Fernanda Gonzalo; and Rodrigo Gonzalo holding the ram. The ram was sired by a son of LD240, a ram purchased from Langdene stud, Dunedoo, NSW, Australia, in 2007 at the Bendigo Ram Sale. The supreme ram went on to top this year s sale, selling for 34,000 pesos ($AU7500). 4 Merino World

5 Our Argentine Experience Following are excerpts from a report by John Daniell, White River Merino stud, Minnipa, South Australia, judge at the 2012 Comodoro Rivadavia. It is a pleasure to be invited to judge Merino sheep at any show, but to be invited to judge overseas is something else, and an honour I will never forget. On 28 January, my wife Margaret and I took the 16- hour flight from Adelaide to Buenos Aires to judge the Merinos at the National Sheep Show at Comodoro Rivadavia. We were met by Snr Pablo Serres, president of Asociacion Argentina Criadores de Merino and the association s secretary, Snr Carlos Epper, who took us straight to lunch, and our education began. There are around 50 registered Merino and Poll Merino studs in Argentina and the stud breeders are passionate about their sheep, holding the Australian Merino as the best in the world. They have a real thirst for the best genetics from Australia s leading sires. Of the 12 million sheep in Argentina, half are Merino. Around 1 million sheep are believed to have perished as a result of the Chilean volcano that has destroyed their pasture feed; the pastures will never recover due to the covering of ash. The Merino country varies from harsh pastoral type country (50mm rainfall last year) to the magnificent and picturesque country in the foothills of the Andes which, in mid Summer were still snow-capped. Argentina also remains in the grip of a very tough drought and the government sees agriculture as something to be heavily taxed. Lambing percentages are low due to the harsh environment which includes snow and sub zero temperatures as well as predators, the main one being foxes. The Argentine breeders are to be congratulated on the preparation, presentation and standard of rams I had to judge in what has been a difficult, dry year for many. All full wool rams were led around the grassed judging area and competition was very close. The ram sale was tough with a combination of drought conditions and the sourcing of Merino genetics from Australia by many studs. It is traditional for Snr Carlos Mottino of Los Manantiales and his manager, Snr Ruben Alonso, to host a barbecue on the property, some 50km from Comodoro Rivadavia on the day between judging and the ram sale. A gathering of stud breeders and industry people was treated to an entire beast barbecued on a framework over hot coals - and of course plenty of red wine. We were also hosted for a couple of days on properties at the foothills of the Andes. Snr Julian Gonzalo, his wife, Estela, and family Julian Jnr, daughter Maria and husband Fernando, and Rodrigo, run 18-20,000 sheep and 1000 cattle and have a strong influence of Australian genetics in their Rio Pico stud. The Gonzalo family run their own operation whereas many properties in Argentina are run by managers. Our final visit was to the incredible Leleque stud and El Maiten properties of the famous Benetton family. Over this and their other properties they shear around 300,000 sheep, run 18,000 cattle and employ around 200 people. Much of this is situated in the foothills of the Andes with magnificent housing, shedding, administration office and improvements surrounded by expansive lawns, enormously tall poplar trees and their own museum. General manager, Diego Perazzo, and managers, Ronald and Rosanna MacDonald, plus the staff at El Maiten gave us a terrific look at what must be one of the great grazing set-ups of the world. The trip was the experience of a lifetime and the hospitality extended to us was incredible. We met many warm and wonderful people with similar interests and passions to ours. 9th World Merino Conference Tentative date: 28 April - 1 May, 2014 South Africa This year s grand champion Poll ram was shown by Carlos Mottino and Ruben Alonso of Los Manantiales, and was sired by Ashrose Blueprint which had been Australian supreme ram in Asociacion Argentina Criadores de Merino Upon confirmation, further details will be available and WFMB member countries will be advised as soon as these are known. Regular updates will continue. Merino World 5

6 New Zealand NZ Stud Merino Breeders Association Report The Merino Industry is alive and well in New Zealand. This has come on the back of a year of tremendous seasonal conditions starting with great autumn rains, an uncharacteristically mild winter and again fantastic spring rains. Combined with buoyant wool prices and record meat returns this has everybody very positive about Merino farming and its future. While the wool market has certainly come off a high in August, many New Zealand growers have locked their whole wool clips in to two to three year contracts at levels existing in June/July This has only been achievable with a considerable amount of work by the company responsible for marketing 85 per cent of the NZ Merino clip The NZ Merino Company. This innovative concept is a giant step forward in simplifying the contract system where the entire clip is purchased for a fixed price based on test specifications. The NZ Merino Company also has facilities to manage long term grower contracts with well known brand partners such as Icebreaker and Smartwool. A key marketing benchmark is the high profile Zque brand which is getting real market penetration. At the grower level the Stud Breeders and the respective regional Merino associations are responsible for a wide range of promotional and educational activities. There are annual flock two-tooth competitions in the McKenzie, Canterbury and Marlborough regions and an annual stud tour with a specific geographical focus every year. This year s stud tour was held over three days early in April in the Central Otago region. A total of 15 studs were visited representing a wide range of Merino types ranging from ultrafine through to medium Polls. There was a large crowd of around 190 on the tour that also included many from Australia and several from Argentina. The New Zealand show circuit is well supported. The 49th Canterbury A and P Show was held from 9 to 11 November in Christchurch with the Merino section well represented by studs from all over the South Island. This is New Zealand's premier sheep show with every breed of sheep on show. Marlborough Maiden Ewe Competition at Blairich Judges in the Merino classes were Allan Phillips from Tasmania and Nigel Brumpton from Queensland, both commenting on the high standard of exhibits. Studs that stood out were Matangi Station taking out the ultrafine awards, and Armidale stud with champion fine, superfine and medium ram and champion Poll ram. The Gums Partnership showed the champion fine ewe, champion medium ewe and reserve champion Poll ewe. The Blairich stud achieved reserve champion fine ram and ewe and in the overall awards, best ram hogget and best woolled sheep. Malvern Downs gained the reserve champion superfine ewe and reserve champion Poll ram. Supreme champion Merino was taken out by The Gums Partnership with their fine combing ewe. The Marlborough regional show was held on 4 and 5 November. It is the only local show in full wool. The Scene during the 2011 stud tour Property Average Micron Average Yield % Average Weight $ Per Kg Fleece Value $ Avg. Live Weight Kg Ave Yield % Carcass Value $ Total $ Merino World

7 Blairich stud took out the major awards with limited competition. A feature of this show is a class of three commercial wether hoggets that are fleece tested, shorn and assessed for meat and wool quality. Awards are given for the highest wool value and carcass value, with the winning team being the one with the highest total value. This class was initiated to demonstrate the often overlooked value of the Merino as an all-purpose breed. Results from the top four properties are presented in the table at the bottom of the previous page. On a sadder note it is with real regret that we advise the passing of stud breeding stalwart Graham Black (Awapiri Stud, Marlborough) as a result of a car accident, in April Graham had just been made a life member of the NZ Stud Merino Breeders Association. He will be well known to overseas stud breeders. Graham s commitment and enthusiasm for the Merino breed over his lifetime was unparalleled. In conclusion we invite all those interested in Merinos to attend the next NZ Stud Merino Tour. Tony Jopp Chairman NZ Stud Merino Breeders Moutere Station Alexandra For news and information on the New Zealand Stud Merino Breeders visit Christchurch Show 2011 Supreme Champion Merino The Gums Partnership, Flaxton, Cheviot Grand Champion Merino Ram & Reserve Allan Paterson, Armidale, Ranfurly Grand Champion Merino Ewe & Reserve The Gums Partnership Best Merino Ram Hogget Ron and Sue Small, Blairich, Marlborough Best Merino Ewe Hogget Allan Paterson Most Successful Exhibitor John Sanders, Matangi Station, Alexandra Champion Poll Merino Ram Allan Paterson Reserve W H Gibson, Malvern Downs, Wanaka Champion Poll Merino Ewe Allan Paterson Reserve The Gums Partnership Champion Merino Ram (superfine) Allan Paterson Reserve The Gums Partnership Champion Merino Ewe (superfine) Matangi Station Reserve R W Gibson, Malvern Downs, Cromwell Champion Merino Ram (ultrafine) & Reserve Matangi Station Champion Merino Ewe (ultrafine) & Reserve Matangi Station Champion Merino Ram (fine) Allan Paterson Reserve Ron and Sue Small Champion Merino Ewe (fine) The Gums Partnership Reserve Ron and Sue Small Champion Merino Ram (medium) & Reserve Allan Paterson Champion Merino Ewe (medium) The Gums Partnership Reserve Allan Paterson Group Three Rams, 18 to 30 months Allan Paterson Merial Ancare Pairs Allan Paterson Group of 3 Rams and 2 Ewes Allan Paterson Allan and Simon Paterson, Armidale stud, Ranfurly, with their supreme Merino and grand champion ram of the 2010 Christchurch Show. For news and information on Australian Wool Innovation Christchurch Show 2010 Supreme Champion Merino Allan Paterson, Armidale, Ranfurly Grand Champion Merino Ram & Reserve Allan Paterson Grand Champion Merino Ewe John Sanders, Matangi Station, Alexandra Reserve I D & P E Stevenson, Flaxton, Cheviot Best Merino Ram Hogget Allan Paterson Best Merino Ewe Hogget I D & P E Stevenson Champion Poll Merino Ram & Reserve Allan Paterson Champion Poll Merino Ewe & Reserve ID & PE Stevenson Champion Merino Ram (superfine) R W Gibson Reserve I D & P E Stevenson Champion Merino Ewe (superfine) Matangi Station Reserve I D & P E Stevenson Champion Merino Ram (ultrafine) & Reserve R W Gibson, Malvern Downs, Cromwell Champion Merino Ewe (ultra fine) R W Gibson Reserve G & R Calder, Lauder, Omakau Champion Merino Ram (fine) & Reserve Allan Paterson Champion Merino Ewe (fine) I D & P E Stevenson Reserve Matangi Station Champion Merino Ram (medium) Allan Paterson Reserve Graham and Bev Black, Awapiri, Blenheim Champion Merino Ewe (medium) Allan Paterson Reserve W J & N J Stevenson, Upcott, Blenheim Group Three Rams, 18 to 30 months Allan Paterson Merial Ancare Pairs Allan Paterson Group of 3 Rams and 2 Ewes Allan Paterson Merino World 7

8 Vale Graham Black In February 2011, the Merino world was shocked and saddened by the death of New Zealand stud breeder, Graham Black, as the result of a car accident. Bev Black, Graham s wife, who was also in the vehicle, subsequently recovered from her injuries. The Awatere Valley (South Island, NZ) farmer was one of New Zealand s highest profile Merino stalwarts, albeit with a quiet, unassuming manner. He was also well known and respected among the world s breeders as an international judge of both stud and flock fixtures on more than a dozen occasions and as chairman of the organising committee of the 5th World Merino Conference held in Christchurch, NZ, in Graham attended the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Show every year from 1963 and in November 2010 this long-term support was acknowledged when he and Bev were awarded the Canterbury A&P Association Dakin Ambassador of the Year Award. The award recognises continued loyalty to the showing scene. At the same time, a rarely bestowed honour, that of life membership of the New Zealand Merino, Poll and Half Breed Society, was made to Graham. The award recognised the enormous contribution to the Merino breed made by Graham over 30 years Graham had served on the New Zealand Merino Stud Breeders committee continuously since 1979 and was chairman for three years. From his home at Awapiri Station, Blenheim, he and Bev developed the Merino stud over a 36-year period. In later years the property was run together with son, Duncan, and his wife, Michelle. Awapiri Merinos are big framed with medium combing wool. In 1998 Graham identified the finer end of the Awapiri stud and from this established the Excell stud. Tony Jopp, Chairman of the New Zealand Stud Merino Breeders Association, said that Graham s knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to the Merino breed was unsurpassed. Graham began his farming career as a high-country musterer. He learnt on the job on stations in the Mackenzie and Canterbury regions, and then managed Clent Hills for two years. He quickly became recognised as a competent stockman. He purchased Awapiri in 1966 and during his farming career trained many young people in his employment in judging and handling Merinos. Ross Beech, a colleague of Graham s in the Merino community, said he was incredibly generous with his time and experience. A particular skill of Graham s, says Beech, was his ability to confidently assess the qualities of all categories of Merino. His dedication to this aspect of his farming career won Graham world-wide respect. Tom Ashby, president of the Australian Association of Stud Merino breeders, said that Graham was held in high respect and much loved throughout the Australian industry. Graham was a founding member and a life member of the Marlborough Merino Association. Ross Beech said that this organisation and the other regional associations that followed laid the foundations for the formation of Merino New Zealand Inc, which unified Merino growers in pursuit of a common cause - the betterment of the Merino industry. As members of the World Federation of Merino Breeders also mourn the loss of Graham Black, they extend their sympathy to Bev and family on such a tragic loss. Only two months before his untimely death, Graham Black, second from left, with his wife, Bev, received a life membership award from the NZ Merino Society. Making the presentation was another life member, Bill Gibson, Malvern Downs, Wanaka, pictured, with president of the NZ Stud Merino Breeders Association, Tony Jopp, Moutere, Alexandra Merino South Africa Hungarian Sheep Breeders Association 8 Merino World

9 Russian NSB News The National Association of Sheep Breeders (NSB) has been busy preparing for the 14th Russian Exhibition in March and in the lead-up, director general, Mikhail Egorov, along with the head of the Technology and Selection Department and the association s marketing director, visited the Dagestan Republic. Dagestan has the highest number of sheep and goats in the Russian Federation with 4.5 million head, an increase of one million since the soviet period. The prospect of any further increase however may be hampered by a range of problems, one of which is the feed capacity of the pastures which have been degraded by heavy cattle grazing. During his visit to Dagestan, Mikhail Egorov (pictured) observed that the sheep breeders work very hard and under the most severe conditions in the Russian Federation. Corrective breeding has been underway while ensuring that the quality of wool and carcass weight do not suffer. Accordingly he said, the National Association of Sheep Breeders must give special support to this region and will be working on this in conjunction with the regional Ministry of Agriculture. In February, Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, allocated 670 million rubles for twenty Russian regions to support sheep breeding. According to the Government s site information, the largest sum will be assigned to the Republic of Dagestan (more than 190 million). At least 10 stud farms from the Dagestan Republic will also participate in the 14th Russian Exhibition. In other news from the NSB, Mr Egorov has recently participated in a forum, The textile industry within the framework of WTO - perspectives and risks for Russian companies - the tasks of the Government and business in solving coming problems. Members of various Government departments including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Defence and the Customs Committee, along with the heads of the textile industry and scientific organisations all participated in the discussion. As a result, a cooperation agreement between the National Association of Sheep Breeders and the Russian Association of Entrepreneurs of Textile and Light Industry has been signed. Subsequently, Mikhail Egorov has met with the chairman of IWTO to discuss further interaction between the NSB and IWTO with the heads of IWTO being invited to the coming Russian Exhibition. For news and information on Russian s National Association of Sheep Breeders visit Record Merino Price in Uruguay Last year, a bale of 14.4-micron wool was sold for a Uruguayan record price of $US37.76 per kilo. The ultrafine wool (uncommon in the Uruguayan flock), was achieved based on a strategic alliance between the Merino breeders, the country s Agriculture Research Institute, the textile industry, and 51 farmers who had signed on for the project. The objective of the project which was set up several years ago, is to produce ultrafine wool below micron extensively in open range country in soils where sheep farming has become a more profitable option than other agriculture activities. The Uruguayan Wool Secretariat which analysed the bale determined that the wool had a 20.1CV; 99.8 Comfort Factor; 79.3% clean yield performance; 68.2% luminosity (Y); and minus 1.1% yellowish grading (Y-Z). The record bale was sold to local textile plant, Lanas Trinidad SA, the biggest topmakers in Uruguay. The bale was made up of fleeces from several different farms participating in the project. This is the second consecutive year that a bale has measured 14.4-micron. Most of Uruguay s sheep flock is dual-purpose Corriedale with coarse wool of above 26-micron. This sheep has for many years been the breed best adapted to Uruguayan soil. Fine wool breeds such as Merino make up a smaller percentage of the flock, mainly because Uruguay s soil can be too humid for the Merino. Merino World 7 9

10 South Africa Following is an excerpt from the Annual Report of Julian Southey, president of Merino SA, on the 2011 year. What a pleasure to reflect on a most satisfying year for agriculture in general and our Merino breed in particular. Years of enduring droughts, floods, disease, low prices and general economic and political uncertainty have been rewarded with another excellent season this past year and record wool and meat prices, despite the world economy showing it is far from recovery. There is a confidence and liveliness in our industry that hasn t been experienced for a long time; a positive attitude that is infectious and encourages us to keep our shoulders to the wheel and to keep on improving the genetics we supply to our industry by every means possible. Taken as a whole, the Merino Plan has to be one of the most comprehensive strategies available, to facilitate breeding improvement in the small stock industry. Our veld shows, mini flock competitions and young ewe clubs and their competitions have been very well supported especially by our younger commercial and stud breeders and are a source of lively competition, debate and learning. Awareness of the value of BLUP and measured production as a tool to genetic advancement and improvement is vitally important and it is good to see the questions being asked and the responses given by our technical committee who are determined to make this technology work and to make a difference in this field. In a year of record ram sales in terms of both the number of production and official sales held, as well as the prices and turnovers achieved, a highlight must surely be the record price of R250,000 obtained by Fairworld for their ram Barrier. As a society, we are extremely proud of your achievement. Congratulations are due to every breeder for the high standard, quality rams offered this year and the huge contribution each one of you make to our Merino industry. In this regard, the support our industry receives from our main brokers, BKB and CMW is highly valued and greatly appreciated. The year also heralded two very significant milestones with both Grootfontein Agricultural College and Farmer s Weekly celebrating their centenaries. Merino SA is privileged to have close relationships with institutions of this caliber and we look forward to strengthening our ties and commitment with them in the years ahead. Thank you for your contribution in adding value and making a difference in our industry. On the promotional front, Vice President Frederick Neethling did a fantastic job of ensuring that this year s BKB/ABSA MERINO CLASSIC at Bredasdorp was a resounding success. The Overberg, resplendent with record crops of wheat and canola almost ready for harvesting, green fields and fat stock, set a most inviting scene for the Classic which was extremely well supported. Thank you BKB and ABSA for your generous sponsorship which ensured the success of this prestige farm to fashion event. Julian Southey President - Merino SA December 2011 The Merino Plan Key to genetic improvement in South Africa Driven by changes in the economic circumstances in South Africa over the past three decades, our breeders have successfully adapted their Merinos to be hardier, more functionally efficient and more economically productive animals. During this time there has been a need to move away from the selection of Merinos on purely visual traits to selection for economic traits. This has resulted in a move towards the use of measurement (performance testing), which together with the recording of pedigrees (to give Breeding Values using BLUP), has enabled breeders to improve the accuracy of their selection. The modern South African Merino differs in conformation from some years ago when emphasis was on wool production. It is much plainer (no heavy neck pleats, no mulesing), which is also directly correlated to higher fertility, and produce good quality mutton note the fullness of the thighs. To assist breeders in this, Merino South Africa (Merino SA) formulated the Merino Plan, thus putting in place a uniform system for all record keeping, measurement and data storage. The Merino Plan includes all breeders participating in the National Performance Testing Scheme, Veld Ram Clubs and the National Merino Progeny Testing Scheme. The data of animals in one or more of these programmes is stored in the same data base, enabling breeders to compare them with animals in another programme. Breeders who record both the pedigrees and the performance of their animals are provided with EBVs (estimated breeding values), not only for production traits like body weight, clean fleece weight and fibre diameter, but also for reproduction traits like total weight of lambs weaned. These EBVs can be compared not only across years (animals older or younger) but also across flocks 10 Merino World

11 (animals of other breeders in another part of the country). Lists of the top performing rams (the BLUP Sir Rating, the BLUP Venture Sire Rating and the Progeny Test Sire Rating) are available to breeders on the internet and also published annually in the Merino Focus. To be economically profitable, farmers must satisfy the consumer needs while producing a cost effective product. The market forces in South Africa demand a Merino with: Fast growth rate, lambs marketable at weaning age High quality fine wool Easy care, non-mules conformation Good staple length for at least eight month clip High fertility and reproduction Since 2004, participants of the Merino Plan have followed a more focused approach in their selection of sires. This resulted in a more economical national flock as indicated by the following graphs.(base year =2005, EBV=0 1.5 EBV Body weight (kg) EBV Staple length Staple length (SL) increased EBV Total Weight Weaned Increased 12 month body weight (BW) EBV Clean Fl eece Wei ght (kg) Clean fleece weight CFW) stayed constant The graphs show that significant improvement was obtained over a relatively short period. Body weight, staple length and total weight weaned increased, while clean fleece weight remained constant. The question remains what to do with this massive amount of information - how should breeders and ram buyers use this information to improve their flocks and farming enterprises? More kg lamb weaned per mating (TWW) At official Merino ram sales a standardised catalogue is used to provide buyers with information on each ram. This includes EBVs for the different traits, indexes according to performance tests, as well as measured figures for some traits like wool micron and present body weight. To further assist buyers in interpreting the EBVs, symbols are used to classify the figures in relation to the national average. A buyer can therefore select rams on figures according to the specific traits he needs to improve in his flock or stud, in combination with his visual evaluation of the animals. The wool: meat price ratio plays an important role in the profitability of sheep farming. As the price of mutton has for some time been relatively high in relation to wool, strong emphasis is placed on reproduction. Recent scientific studies have shown that selection for fertility is possible. In the Merino plan this is incorporated in ewe productivity - and TWW figures. The genetic improvement of the Merino in South Africa by means of the Merino Plan has resulted in remarkable changes since the introduction of performance testing in the 1980s, progeny testing and BLUP in the early 90s. Economic studies show that Merinos consistently achieve results whereby it can be classified as the most profitable sheep breed. Enquiries: Dirkie Uys, chairman, Merino SA technical committee , komarsekraal@whal .co.za John Stretton, vice-chairman, technical committee , jhstretton@nokwi.co.za Julian Southey, president, Merino SA , julian@adsactive.com Danie Vorster, manager, Merino SA ), merinoram@eastcape.net Merino World 11

12 South African Overview by Loffie Brandt Notwithstanding the modern economy, the South African agricultural environment continues to face many challenges. Although rooted locally and/or internationally, these are not limited to specific industries within the sector. Typical challenges include land reform, exchange rate volatility and the condition of the local and world economies. Then there are challenges predominately related to the small livestock industry. If we are to ask any small livestock farmer to identify the main challenges today, the answer will most probably start with problem animals and livestock theft. Over the last 40 years, sheep numbers in South Africa, more specifically Merino numbers, decreased dramatically. This was mainly because of the above-mentioned reasons as well as pressure on wool prices, especially during the late 90s. The consumption of meat and wool is strongly influenced by the available disposable income of the consumer, which in turn is strongly influenced by the current state of the economy. Meat, and more specifically sheep meat, is usually consumed by the higher income groups in the economy. The same can be said for the consumption of wool. South African agriculture is a global player. Many of our input and output prices are influenced by factors outside our borders. This holds true for wool and the whole meat industry. Therefore, if we want to know how the sheep meat market will look in the next 12 months, it is important that we determine what the state of the economy (locally and internationally) will be in this particular period. Most of the developed countries in the world economy are still under financial pressure and are recovering at a very slow pace. On the other hand, strong economic growth is evident in developing countries, such as China, India and Brazil. These countries are also the economies that are currently stimulating world demand. Locally, the economic growth was at higher levels during the first quarter of 2010, mainly because of the spill over effect of infrastructure spending by government for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. During the second and third quarters the pace of economic growth slowed down and unemployment figures are still high. The demand for private lending is low as consumer spending remains conservative. All of these factors indicate that the local economy is still under pressure. Although interest rates came down during that period, consumers used this benefit to repay their debt. Projections are that the economic growth will start increasing to higher levels over the next months (3,7% in 2011). The strong rand might however influence this projected growth rate depending on how far it will strengthen and for how long it will stay relatively strong. Meat The South African consumption of sheep meat is in the region of 171,000 ton per annum, of which only about 105,000 ton is produced locally. As mentioned, the demand for meat is strongly driven by economic growth. At this stage, the local economy is under pressure, but despite that, prices of sheep meat remain relatively strong and are driven from the supply side. The stronger rand can also put pressure on the upward potential of meat prices. The majority of our imports come from Australia and New Zealand but the industry is not experiencing price pressure as a result of the exchange rate. Wool Sheep numbers in South Africa have been decreasing over the last decade. The number of Merino sheep decreased even faster than the total number of sheep. Lower wool prices in the 90s also brought changes to the Merino breed. Farming income came under pressure due to lower wool prices which forced breeding of a more dual-purpose carcass. With wool farmers now depending on wool and meat income the risk within the farming enterprise is diversified. Wool production in South Africa decreased from 98,000 ton in 1991 to about 48,000 in 2009 (greasy). South Africa, therefore, is a very small player in the global wool market. About 92% of South African wool production is exported. China was the largest export destination with about 57%, followed by the Czech Republic and Italy with 12,4% and 10% respectively. Outlook Sheep meat prices will most probably increase over the longer term. This increase will mainly be driven by the recovery of the developed economies as well as the increase in demand from developing counties, where disposable income increases. The increases in demand from the developing world will most probably be the major driver in the demand. Wool is a product which can easily be substituted with synthetic. The market also seems price sensitive in this regard. Demand here will again be driven by the recovery of the developed countries as well as growth in the developing countries. The future of the small livestock farmer in South Africa While farming, like any other industry, has its challenges, the bottom line is that as the population of South Africa and the world continues to grow, the nutritional needs and demand keep growing. As long as there is a market, there will be a demand. Farmers will again overcome the current challenges, especially if there is a reward. From this perspective, the future for livestock farming looks positive. Further information: Loffie Brandt, Agricultural Information, ABSA Business Bank, loffie.brandt@absa.co.za On retirement from the WFMB presidency at the last World Merino Conference in Rambouillet, Glen Keamy was presented with a gift from Merino S.A. by that association s manager, Danie Vorster. Pictured during proceedings at the 8th World Merino Conference, are delegates from Lesotho, Mokoenehi Thinyane and Lefu Lehloba, front, with South African delegates Francois van der Merwe and Danie Vorster, behind. 12 Merino World

13 Australian President s Report Last year was a good one for Merino sheep in Australia. The medium term weather forecasts have proven correct and most of Eastern Australia has seen good rainfall and in turn, ideal conditions for pasture growth. Sheep and other grazing animal enterprises have shown good returns to producers with many not having to hand feed sheep for the first time in a number of years. With little need to purchase or produce grain, production costs have decreased and grass fed sheep have returned to being very profitable. Good sheep are now keenly sought and many of our members have seen solid demand for stud stock which in turn has shown an increase in overall optimism of our members. Western Australian had a slow start to the year both in terms of drought and maintaining sheep numbers for breeding stock, but this trend turned for the better late in the year and the demand for stud animals has risen sharply. Wool prices for both finer and medium types have also returned to basis which reflects both the supply and demand due to the popularity for wool as a fibre in the retail marketplace. It can be expected that the wool market will continue to influence the Merino sheep flock and numbers should rise for all fineness sectors. The Merino as a brand has now become highly sought in the international textile markets and the AASMB continues to work closely with Australian Wool Innovation, who manages the Woolmark brand, to ensure that the fibre is marketed in the best possible manner. The Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders (AASMB) has a good relationship with AWI and would welcome suggestions from any World Federation of Merino Breeder members which relate to the activities or potential activities in the members region. Last year has also shown that Merino sheep in good conditions can be keenly sought by restockers and the processors in the meat market. The Australian Merino is also finding good support from domestic consumers who are looking for quality, lower fat, grass fed meat products. We expect that this trend will continue with the ongoing demand from our members clients for a good wool and meat producing sheep. The AASMB has discussed how it can encourage the next generation of Merino sheep fanciers and how Australia can assist in the ongoing development of the sheep and wool industry across member countries. We encourage other countries to do the same and hopefully it may be possible to establish a network of countries. By working closely with members and various State and Federal science and technical departments, we believe we can establish a young Merino breeder s exchange programme which will assist in the development of several key people who can assist in the future direction of the Merino sheep and wool industry. Tom Ashby President - AASMB March 2012 MAJOR AUSTRALIAN MERINO EVENTS July Australian Sheep & Wool Show Bendigo, Victoria office@merinovictoria.com 23 July Export Ram Sale, Bendigo, Victoria office@merinovictoria.com 6-7 August Hamilton Sheepvention, Hamilton, Victoria office@merinovictoria.com 16 August Rabobank Katanning Show & Ram Sale, Western Australia smbawa@bigpond.com August Rabobank National Merino Show, Dubbo, NSW admin@dubboramsale.com.au 30 August Rabobank National Ram Sale, Dubbo, NSW admin@dubboramsale.com.au September Royal Adelaide Sheep Show, South Australia info@merinosa.com.au 14 September Adelaide Stud Merino Ram Sale, South Australia info@merinosa.com.au September Perth Royal Show, Western Australia smbawa@bigpond.com January Great Southern Supreme Merinos Show & Sale, Canberra, ACT tamarastadtmiller@netspace.net.au 5-6 February Armidale (Housed) Merino Ram Show and Sale rodney.kent@hotmail.com 8-9 March Wagin Woolorama, Wagin WA smbawa@bigpond.com March 2013 South Australian Merino Field Days, SA info@merinosa.com.au March-April 2013 Sydney Sheep Show, Sydney NSW office@merinos.com.au May 2013 Queensland State Sheep Show qmssa1@bigpond.com For news and information on the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders visit Merino World 13

14 Australian Champions New South Wales Northern Territory (no Merinos) Queensland Western Australia South Australia New South Wales Victoria Tasmania 14 Merino World

15 Pictured are some of the main winners at the most recent major Merino shows in New South Wales (NSW). Facing page, clockwise from top right: John and Hamish McLaren, Nerstane stud, Woolbrook, with their supreme champion Merino of the 2011 Sydney Sheep Show at the Royal Easter Show. Guy Evans, Tara Park stud, Boorowa, holds his ram which went on to be supreme exhibit of this year s Great Southern Supreme Merinos Show (GSSM) in Canberra. The Nerstane ram that was supreme Merino and champion NSW ram at the 2011 Rabobank National Merino Show in Dubbo. This ewe from Tara Park was grand champion ewe at this year s Sydney Sheep Show. The ram from the Shalimar Park stud, Walcha of Allison van Eyk and her son, Joe, that went on to be supreme Merino of the 2012 Sydney Sheep Show is sashed by the NSW Minister for Agriculture, Katrina Hodgkinson, and Wal Merriman, chairman of Australian Wool Innovation (and principal of Merryville Merino stud, Boorowa), while Joe van Eyk holds the ram. Above: Michael Corkhill, Grassy Creek, Reids Flat, with his supreme Merino of the 2011 GSSM in Canberra, a twotooth, short wool ewe that was also junior champion exhibit. Graham Wells, One Oak, Jerilderie, holds his grand champion ewe of the 2011 Rabobank National in Dubbo, surrounded by the show s judges. 16 Merino World January Australian Wool Production Forecast The Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee has revised its 2011/12 wool production forecast from 355 mkg to 350 mkg greasy, which is 1.5 per cent above 2010/11 production. The adjustment has been made mainly because of an expectation of lower fleece weights in some areas than was the case in October. Committee chairman Russell Pattinson said Fleece weights in some states have not been as good as the Committee anticipated at the October meeting. We have also seen animal health issues, due to increased problems with flies and worm burdens, impact on expected wool production. The Committee has also adjusted the opening sheep numbers for 2011/12 following the release of provisional agricultural census data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) earlier in December. The census is conducted every 5 years, and provides a more reliable assessment of sheep numbers than the smaller annual surveys conducted in the between years by the ABS. Based on the latest census data, the ABS now expects 2011/12 opening sheep numbers to be 74.3 million, rather than the previous figure of 70.8 million. As a result of the revised data for 2011/12, the Committee has also adjusted the previous season's (2010/11) estimated opening sheep numbers from 68.1 million to 70.8 million. Mr Pattinson added that although the forecast for total wool production for 2011/12 is down on the Committee s October estimate, it is still higher than it has been in recent years, and is consistent with the previously reported trend of flock rebuilding. Results from the combined MLA/AWI grower survey indicate that 90% of farmers intend to maintain or grow their ewe flocks in Table 1: Summary of wool production estimates and forecasts for Australia Parameter Opening sheep numbers (million head) Sheep numbers shorn (million head) Average cut per head (kg) Shorn wool production (mkg greasy) 20/10/11 revised estimate 2011/12 Change Oct Dec y-o-y Forecast Forecast (%) % % % % Further information: More NSW News More NSW photos coming soon on the NSW SMBA s website which is undergoing reconstruction. Visit in another couple of months. Merino World 15

16 Western Australia The supreme ribbon for the 2011 Wagin Woolorama was awarded to the grand champion Merino ram exhibited by Philip and Daniel Gooding, East Mundalla stud, Tarin Rock, Western Australia. The ram had been champion strong wool and champion two-tooth before taking the supreme title. The supreme exhibit at the 2011 Rabobank Katanning Sheep Show last August was shown by Richard Chadwick, Darijon stud, Narrogin - the ram had been grand champion Merino ram, grand champion August shorn Merino ram and champion August shorn medium wool Merino ram. Right: At the 2011 Perth Royal Show, the supreme, grand champion and champion medium wool Poll Merino ram was exhibited by Wayne Button s Manunda stud, Tammin. The grand champion Poll Merino and champion strong wool Poll ram at this year s Wagin Woolarama, came from Roland and Rohan Sprigg s East Strathglen, Tambellup. Also from East Strathglen was the grand champion Merino ewe at this year s Wagin Woolorama, a twotooth medium wool. stud, Tambellup, WA. The supreme exhibit of the recent 2012 Wagin Woolarama was the champion strong wool ram, weighing in at 154kg, from the Mackin family s Kamballie stud, Yorkrakine, WA, in their first major show win. W.A. photos courtesy Farm Weekly For the Stud Merino Breeders Association of Western Australia visit 16 Merino World

17 Three Victorian studs took three supremes at the 2010 Campbell Town Show, Tasmania, repeating the result in Pictured are Warren Russell, Melrose, Horsham, supreme Merino ram and supreme ultrafine Merino; Rod Miller, Glenpaen, Horsham, supreme medium Merino; and Craig Eagle, Glencaber, Horsham, supreme superfine Merino. Tasmania Campbell Town Show 2011 Supreme Champion Merino - Glenpaen, Brimpaen, Vic Supreme Ultrafine Exhibit - W B Merriman, Rokeby, Campbell Town Supreme Superfine Exhibit - Glencaber, Horsham, Vic Supreme Fine Exhibit - Glenpaen Supreme Medium Exhibit - Glenpaen Grand Champion Ram - Glenpaen Grand Champion Ewe - Sorell Springs, York Plains, Tas Tasmanian Merino Pair of the Year - Sorell Springs Queensland Pictured at the 2011 Queensland State Sheep Show, held in Charleville, are prize-winning rams from Barcaldine Downs, Barcaldine, Qld, with stud manager, Duncan Ferguson, who is also president of the Queensland Merino Stud Sheepbreeders Association. Above is the stud s grand champion ram; below is the Queensland Pair; and below right, the Queensland Ewe of the Year, which was also champion strong wool ewe and Queensland junior champion ewe. At last year s Queensland State Sheep Show, the Qld Ram of the Year and State finalist for the 2011 supreme Merino ram title came from the Jolly Jumbuck Poll Merino stud, Mitchell, Qld, owned by Australia s youngest stud Merino breeders, Felicity, Charlie and Lachie Brumpton who registered their stud in February Queensland Merino Stud Sheepbreeders Association and Stud Merino Breeders Association of Tasmaniawww.merinos.com.au (see State Associates) Merino World 17

18 South Australia At the 2011 Adelaide Ram Sale, classer, Michael Elmes and Robert Ashby, Old Ashrose, Hallett, with Argentinean buyers of the Old Ashrose ram that sold for $AU22,000, Carlos Otamendi and Hugo Medina, Laguna del Toro stud and Pedro Schmalz Snr and Pedro Schmalz Jnr, manager of Shaman stud. Also pictured are Craig Shearer, Elders, and Nick Wadlow, Old Ashrose. The grand champion Poll Merino ram of the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show, from the Sullivan family s Greenfield stud, Hallett. The ram went on to top the Adelaide Ram Sale when purchased by New Zealand stud, Earnscleugh, Clyde for $AU33,000. Right: Tom Ashby, North Ashrose, Gulnare, with the stud s grand champion March-shorn Merino ewe at the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show. The grand champion and reserve grand champion Poll Merino ewes at the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show were both shown by Wes and Andy Titley s Sherlock stud, Sherlock, South Australia. Below: The 2011 Adelaide ram sale underway. The sale produced the highest average and clearance for more than 20 years with 119 rams selling to an average of $6454. Right: At the 2010 Adelaide Ram Sale, this Poll ram from Collinsville stud, Mount Bryan, sold to Kolindale stud, Dudinin, WA, for the sale s highest price in 20 years, when purchased for $AU39,000. Photos courtesy Ian Turner and courtesy Stock Journal For the South Australian Stud Merino Sheepbreeders Association visit 18 Merino World

19 Victoria Paul Walton, Wurrook Poll stud, Rokewood, Victoria, with the $10,000 top-priced Victorian ram, the 5th top-price of the 2011 Australian Sheep and Wool Show Ram Sale, Bendigo. John Crawford, Rock-Bank, Victoria Valley, Vic, and his daughter, Nicole, with the stud s Victorian pair of the year at the 2010 Australian Sheep Show in Bendigo, Vic. Left: Emma and Warren Russell, Melrose stud, Nurrabiel, with their Victorian-bred Ram of the Year and grand champion ultrafine ram of the 2010 Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo. Pictured with their grand champion ultrafine ewe which went on to win the Victorian-bred ewe of the year title at the 2010 Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo, are Phil Hartwich and sons, Chris, Tim and Ben, and brother, Russell. Warren McRae s Oakbank stud, Gre Gre North, Victoria, showed the group of five with this team at the 2010 Australian Sheep and Wool Show. Left: The grand champion superfine wool ram of the 2011 Australian Sheep & Wool Show from Chris Clonan s Alfoxton stud, Armidale, NSW, which went on to sell for a Bendigo record price of $AU46,000 to six stud breeders from 3 Australian States. At the 2011 Australian Sheep Show in Bendigo, Nicole Crawford of Rock-Bank stud holds the family s grand champion ewe and champion Victorian-bred ewe. For the Victorian Stud Merino Sheepbreeders Association visit Merino World 19

20 Merinos in the USA In 1990, the Edwin L Wiegand Trust and the University of Nevada, Reno, established a cooperative agreement to develop research and education programmes to enhance sheep production in the western United States. The sheep breeding programme was initiated to develop a Merino flock to increase the viability of range sheep producers in these areas. Today, Utah State University cooperates with Rafter & Ranch in directing the research and education programmes. The breeding programme is the development of dualpurpose Merinos based on Australian genetics. The foundation 500 Rambouillet ewes were mated to rams imported from Australian Merino studs, Collinsville and Haddon Rig. The flock now contains some 1400 purebred Merino breeding ewes, known as the Rafter 7 Ranch Purebred Merino Line, and registered as such in the Texas Delaine Merino Record Association. Another important flock, the Rafter 7 Ranch Line, contains a further 1400 ewes which are Merino/ Rambouillet cross. It took five generations of closed breeding to achieve a purebred Merino flock that is adapted to the rangeland of the western US. The flock has been based on performance standards established by the ranch s research programme with selection emphasis on those traits required by rangeland producers to improve productivity and profitability. These traits include wool quality and quantity, rates of reproduction and out-ofseason breeding. US delegates to the 8th World Merino Conference, Judge John Larson and Helena Maclay, Missoula, Montana, with Lile and Tom Filbin, Rafter 7 Ranch, Yerrington, Nevada. Tom, the US member of the World Federation of Merino Breeders, is manager of Rafter 7 Ranch. Rafter 7 Merinos grazing pasture at Yerrington, Nevada Rafter 7 complements their research and production aspects with continued use of proven genetics through artificial insemination, embryo transfer and cloning of superior animals. Additionally the incorporation of the latest Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), Single- Nucleotide Polymorphism chips (SNPs), DNA tests, and soon CT scanning of individuals in sync with current genomic data, will continue to enhance the Rafter 7 progeny. Rafter 7 also conducts an annual ram sale with the 13th annual sale to be held on 8 September Last year 200 Purebred registered Merino and Rafter 7 Line Merinos rams were offered for sale with full performance data on each sheep. Registered buyers in attendance came from Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, California and South Dakota. The Rafter 7 wool clip has also fetched the top price in America each year for over a decade. Further information on the breeding and research programmes at Rafter 7 can be found on-line at Australian Supply Brief Sheepmeat and wool survey The Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) sheepmeat and wool survey is part of a continually evolving set of producer surveys that are conducted three times a year to gauge short term trends and movements in the Australian national sheep flock and lamb supply. The October 2011 survey received responses from 1,911 producers across Australia. A mail-out component focussed on the composition of the breeding ewe flock and lambs on hand in October In collaboration with AWI, a question regarding wool production for the financial year was included. An online component was an extended version of the survey, including a question on lambs marked and qualitative questions regarding current seasonal conditions and flock intentions for The survey responses are extrapolated to represent Australian Bureau of Statistics demographic figures of the composition of the sheep industry. The results of the October survey are attached as a separate file with this newsletter mailing. MLA conducts research and development (R&D) throughout the red meat supply chain to achieve the core activity of enhancing competitiveness and sustainability and to develop a competitive advantage for the industry. MLA's R&D programs cover a range of on-farm and off-farm topics. Results of much of this research is freely available on MLA s website - MLA s Australian Sheep Industry Overview (April 2012) is also attached with this mailing. 20 Merino World

21 Introducing Edward Dugan A passionate wool advocate is the new executive director of the Australian Merino Centre (AMC), a role that encompasses the secretariat for the World Federation of Merino Breeders, along with the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders and the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association. Edward Dugan (Ed), who took on the position in September 2010 upon the retirement of Carol King, is also manager of Dugan Wool, an agricultural marketing, trading and consultancy company established in Upon completion of his schooling, Edward studied sheep management and wool classing before undertaking employment as a wool merchant and trader with Compagnie d Importation de Laines in Sydney; next moving on to a senior wool trader position with Dalgety International Trading. In the years since, he has worked in agribusiness management and international market development roles, most recently in International Trade Services with the NSW Business Chamber with special responsibilities for the Indian subcontinent. Of the industry at the current time, Edward says, It took 12 years for the market to return to these (current) levels but the Merino sheep industry is now better than it has ever been. The timing to my start at the AMC has been pretty good, but we need to keep re-telling the world all the good news about Merino sheep and wool, and that these current prices are what is needed to simply maintain sheep numbers and wool production. Edward Dugan Australia s Champion Pair In 2010, the title of National Merino Pair of the Year went the same way as the previous year with the NSW State finalist, the One Oak stud of Graham and Mary Wells (pictured below left), Jerilderie, in the NSW Riverina area, securing this prestigious award. Last year the title went to the Victorian State finalist, the Glendonald stud of Robert Harding, Nhill, who bagged this title for the fourth time since the award was established in The ram of the pair was also the 2012 Australian supreme Merino (see page 2). Robert is pictured above with classer, John Williams, Cooma, NSW, and Paul Walton, Wurrook stud, Rokewood, Victoria. Additional service to WFMB members Remember your fellow members of the WFMB when compiling reports, media releases, photo pages, research & development results etc. copies, preferably as a pdf (if photos included) or as a Word document, to Carol-Ann Malouf and in future these will be circulated to all WFMB members at once. Merino World 21

22 More from the 8th WMC Helen Heddell (NZ) with Glen Keamy Pedro Schmalz and Joaquin Mueller, Argentina World Young Shepherds Challenge A New Zealander, Peter Klassen, has won the first World Ovinpiades, World Young Shepherds Challenge, held in New Zealand in November. Phillip Derryman from England was second and third place went to Lachlan Charlton of Australia. The inaugural competition, organised by Beef and Lamb NZ, took place around the South Island of New Zealand at the beginning of November and included a pentathlon of activities designed to test shepherding skills. Elements included tests on practical sheep handling techniques, shearing, quad bike driving and fencing and there were also technical examinations on sheep husbandry and management topics. The challenge aims to raise the focus of young farmers entering sheep production. It also aims to develop stronger links between sheep producing countries worldwide and it is hoped that the competition will become a four-year event. Over 20 young shepherds competed from Argentina, Australia, England, France, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, USA and Wales. Aficionados of the game they play in Heaven would be correct in starting to see a trend here. The idea was born at the International Sheepmeat Forum in Brussels in 2009 when European delegates identified a strong link between rugby playing countries and sheep production. Shepherd teams were invited from each country with a team in the Rugby World Cup and the inaugural event was held on the back of last year s World Cup. A number of these countries are also members of the World Federation of Merino Breeders and perhaps two other member countries may have competitors in the next World Young Shepherds Challenge? Your editor recalls the pleasure of witnessing the outstanding Shepherds Competition at the Regional Farm Show at Hódmezovásárhely during the 6th World Merino Conference in Hungary and has just read on Russia s National Association of Sheep Breeders site of the traditional Shepherds Day held in Russia in May. They just might have to take up Rugby as well in the interim. Bergerie Nationale directrice adjointe, Christine Lang and Robert Ashby Members of the delegation from Xinjiang Province, including Dr Tian (extreme right), with Robert Ashby. Attendees from Russia, including Petr Lobanov and Mikhail Egorov (front) and back left, Dr Vasily Moroz. 22 Merino World